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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
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Possible physiological benefits of fasting and exercise
Hamed Alizadeh Pahlavani1, Ali Veisi2
1Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.
Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry
|August 26, 2025
Summary
Exercise and fasting promote weight loss and enhance brain function by activating key neurons. These lifestyle choices also bolster the immune system and improve gut health, potentially delaying disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Physiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Exercise and fasting activate hypothalamic neurons, influencing appetite and energy metabolism.
- These interventions impact brain plasticity and cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
- Lifestyle interventions modulate immune cell autophagy and apoptosis, affecting cancer and viral defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted effects of exercise and fasting on physiological and cognitive functions.
- To investigate the impact of these interventions on the immune system and metabolic parameters.
- To examine the relationship between exercise, fasting, and gastrointestinal microbiome composition.
Main Methods:
- Activation of hypothalamic neurons by exercise and fasting.
- Assessment of changes in energy efficiency, brown fat cell concentration, and weight.
- Evaluation of brain plasticity, cognitive function, oxidative brain damage, and BDNF levels.
- Analysis of autophagy and apoptosis in human lymphocytes (NK, T, and B cells).
- Monitoring of immune cell concentrations (autophagic monocytes, killer T lymphocytes) and immune system strength.
- Measurement of metabolic and inflammatory parameters, including immune-related molecules.
- Analysis of gastrointestinal microbial composition, beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, and intestinal epithelial integrity.
Main Results:
- Exercise and fasting lead to appetite regulation, increased energy efficiency, brown fat cell proliferation, and weight loss.
- These activities enhance brain plasticity and cognitive function, potentially mitigating neurological disease risk.
- Modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in lymphocytes, strengthening the immune system and delaying cancer progression.
- Improved metabolic and inflammatory profiles through immune modulation and reduced systemic inflammation.
- Favorable shifts in gut microbiota composition, increased beneficial microbes, and enhanced intestinal integrity.
Conclusions:
- Exercise and fasting offer significant benefits for weight management, cognitive health, and immune function.
- These lifestyle interventions play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and improving gut health.
- Combined, exercise and fasting represent a powerful strategy for disease prevention and health promotion.
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